Access to Information Key to Open Government Act

On Friday, New Mexico Attorney General and Attorney Pat Rogers addressed a crowd of lawyers at the Radisson Hotel in Albuquerque in conjunction with Medical Education Services and the Professional Development Network. King talked about the impact of technology on the legal requirements for public records and New Mexico's Open Meetings Act (OMA).

King gave a comprehensive overview of the ACT and IRPA including a discussion of current cases and complaints and how the OMA affects public bodies in conducting business. Afterward both King and Rogers talked to blog contributor Mark Bralley.

Pat Rogers

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW Rogers told Bralley having access to information in a timely and accurate manner is an important aspect of open government.

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW King talks about the OMA and his compliance guide.

King also talked about why he filed an immediate appeal to Thursday's Environmental Protection Agency's decision to issue an air permit for a 1,500-megawatt coal plant (Desert Rock) that Sithe Global Power and the Navajo nation plan to build south of Farmington in northwest New Mexico.

Gary King

King told Bralley legislative candidates need to comply with a state law prohibiting legislative candidates from raising money from now until after the special session. King says he'll send them a reminder and if they don't comply he'll investigate complaints.

1-19-34.1. Legislative session fundraising prohibition.

A. It is unlawful during the prohibited period for a state legislator or a candidate for state legislator, or any agent on behalf of either, to knowingly solicit a contribution for a political purpose. For purposes of this subsection, "prohibited period" means that period beginning January 1 prior to any regular session of the legislature or, in the case of a special session, after the proclamation has been issued, and ending on adjournment of the regular or special session.

B. It is unlawful during the prohibited period for the governor, or any agent on his behalf, to knowingly solicit a contribution for a political purpose. For purposes of this subsection, "prohibited period" means that period beginning January 1 prior to any regular session of the legislature or, in the case of a special session, after the proclamation has been issued, and ending on the twentieth day following the adjournment of the regular or special session.

Audio and Photos from MG Bralley